Govt floats tender for 12 grid-tied solar plants in private sector
The government will purchase electricity for a period of 20 years at a fixed tariff rate once the projects are set up and become operational
The government has issued an open tender to establish 12 grid-tied solar power plants at various locations across the country in the private sector.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), as the sole authority in the power sector, published the tender notice in multiple newspapers yesterday, inviting potential bidders for the projects.
The 12 power projects, with a total capacity of 323 MW, are 10 MW at Shudharam, Noakhali, 18 MW at Hathazari, Chattogram, 20 MW at Sabujpara, Nilphamari, 25 MW at Moulvibazar, 25 MW at Bajitpur, Kishoreganj, 25 MW at Chandraghona, Rangamati, 30 MW at Ukhiya, Teknaf (Cox's Bazar), 35 MW at Nawabganj, Dhaka, 45 MW at Kurigram, 45 MW at Fatikchhari, Chattogram and 45 MW at Bhaluka, Mymensingh.
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According to official sources, the government will purchase electricity for a period of 20 years at a fixed tariff rate once the projects are set up and become operational.
A senior BPDB official noted that this time a new provision has been introduced for investors. "The sponsor must quote at least 30 percent of the total tariff in local currency (Taka), while the remaining 70 percent can be quoted in US cents," he said.
"Previously, the entire tariff was quoted in US cents, and sponsors were allowed to receive payments in local currency but could convert the entire payment into US dollars," the official added.
This tender notice is in line with the announcement made by Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan.
Since assuming office, he has emphasised that all future projects will be awarded through an open bidding process, and no contracts will be granted based on personal relations or without competition.
